Fall protection requirements for stairwells and mechanical chase openings surrounded by interior stud walls in residential construction

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

December 22, 2003

Gerald M. Howard
Executive Vice President
Chief Executive Officer
National Association of Home Builders
1201 15thSt., NW
Washington, DC 20005

Dear Mr. Howard:

Re: Fall protection requirements for stairwells and mechanical chase openings surrounded by interior stud walls in residential construction.

Duty of a subcontractor to cover floor holes in a Multi-Employer work site.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 17, 2004

Mr. Joe Mocka
Roughneck Concrete
Drilling & Sawing Co.
8400 Lehigh Avenue
Morton Grove, IL 60053-2617

Re: 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(4); 1926.502(i); CPL 02-00-124; Duty of a subcontractor to cover floor holes in a Multi-Employer worksite.

Dear Mr. Mocka:

This is in response to your letter submitted on April 12, 2004, to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We apologize for the delay in responding.

Whether certain skylights meet the cover criteria of 1926 Subpart M.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

 

Whether OSHA construction standards require a manhole cover to support at least twice a vehicle's applied axle load, regardless of the cover's size.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

April 6, 2010

Letter # 20080505-8425

Re: Whether OSHA construction standards require a manhole cover to support at least twice a vehicle's applied axle load, regardless of the cover's size.

Question: Federal OSHA's 1926.502(i)(1) requires that covers be capable of supporting at least twice the maximum axle load of the largest vehicle expected to cross over the cover. How does this requirement apply to small-diameter manhole covers on which, due to their limited size, only one wheel can fit at a time?